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By Peter Abraham, Globe Staff

The Red Sox are moving Ryan Dempster to the bullpen, effective immediately.

Dempster has not pitched in relief since 2007. But he has 225 games of relief experience and 87 saves in his career. Manager John Farrell said Dempster will not be used in long relief but will be worked into late-inning situations.

Dempster (8-9, 4.64) was not going to be in the postseason rotation. Farrell called the idea of using him in relief "intriguing." Given that lefthanders are hitting .233/.326/.372 against Dempster this season, he could be used in a variety of ways.

Worth noting as well: Dempster is averaging 8.2 strikeouts per nine innings. He has the stuff to come in and get a strikeout when needed.

More on this later.

Also:

• Jacoby Ellsbury hit off a tee today and played catch. These were his first baseball activities since being diagnosed with a broken bone in his right foot.

• Shane Victorino was in the lineup and then taken out. His right thumb is still sore and will have to be managed for the remainder of the season. But Farrell said it was not something that would keep him out long term.

• No starter has been named for Wednesday. Sounds like they'll split the game up with some young pitchers.